The Federal Trade Commission has accepted, subject to final approval, an agreement containing a consent order from Efamol Nutraceuticals, Inc., ("Efamol"). Efamol is a marketer of dietary supplement products, all of which contain essential fatty acids.

The proposed consent order has been placed on the public record for thirty (30) days for receipt of comments by interested persons. Comments received during this period will become part of the public record. After thirty (30) days, the Commission will again review the agreement and the comments received, and will decide whether it should withdraw from the agreement or make final the agreement's proposed order.

This matter involves alleged misleading representations for Efalex and Efalex Focus, two of Efamol's dietary supplement products. The advertisements claimed that these products can mitigate or cure the effects of Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ("ADD/ADHD").

The proposed complaint alleges that Efamol could not substantiate the following claims: (1) that Efalex and Efalex Focus can cure, prevent, treat or mitigate ADD/ADHD or its symptoms; and (2) that Efalex and Efalex Focus are effective in reducing attention and behavioral problems. Part I of the proposed order would address these misrepresentations by prohibiting Efamol from making the claims in the future unless it possesses and relies upon competent and reliable scientific evidence that substantiates the claim.

Part II of the proposed order requires Efamol to possess competent and reliable scientific evidence for any claim about the health benefits, efficacy or safety of any food, drug or dietary supplement that contains essential fatty acids. Because all of Efamol's products contain essential fatty acids, this provision would apply to the company's entire current product line.

Part III of the proposed order contains language permitting Efamol to make drug claims that have been approved by the FDA pursuant to either a new drug application or a tentative final or final standard. Part IV states that Efamol would be permitted to make claims that the FDA has approved pursuant to the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990.

Parts V-VII of the proposed order contain requirements that Efamol keep copies of relevant advertisements and materials substantiating claims made in the advertisements; provide copies of the order to certain of its current and future personnel; and notify the Commission of changes in the corporate structure that might affect compliance with the order. Part VIII requires Efamol to file one or more reports detailing compliance with the order. Part IX provides that the order will terminate after twenty (20) years under certain circumstances.